Can the Rockets Make Love to Houston Happen?

Carl Herrera · 03-12-2010, 06:16 PM

It seems Kevin Love is frustrated in Minnesota (see blog post below). He's talented, but probably not the best fit there (given his front court pal, Big Al, isn't much of a defender just like Love). He's also kind of a stepchild from the Kevin McHale era and the current regime might want to clean house and build the team in their image.

I wonder if the Rockets have interest in him and have what it takes to make a trade happen. While Love is undersized and isn't the C/PF with some shot-blocking/paint defending ability that the Rockets have been looking for, he should fit well on the offensive end. He can shoot the 3, pass (and especially throw outlet passes if a team wants to run the break), and rebound. He would be a nice fit next to Yao. I know Minny already has picks, but if they really want to clean house, the Rockets can always give them more (a likely lotto pick this year, plus future ones).

http://blog.oregonlive.com/nba/2010/...d_links_1.html

Quote:

Why was Kevin Love being matched up against Carmelo Anthony? That was one of many questions Love was wondering about after the Denver Nuggets' 110-102 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.

Associated PressMinnesota's Kevin Love says he is confused with the Timberwolves' offense. DIsillusioned with going from starter to reserve, inconsistent minutes and constant losing has left the former Lake Oswego High star questioning his role and coach Kurt Rambis' offensive strategy. Love played 27 minutes against Denver, but he played just 12 minutes - he sat out the entire fourth quarter - in the Timberwolves' 125-112 loss to Dallas.

Love said he is confused by Rambis' triangle offense that has resulted in seven consecutive losses and losses in 13 of the past 14 games. The various issues had Love speaking out about the direction of the team under Rambis.

Rambis attributed Love's speaking out to the frustration of losing so often. And he said that Love's poor play (missed six of seven shots) and ineffective defense against Dirk Nowitzki were the reasons he played a season-low 12 minutes against Dallas Monday.

This isn't the first time Love has openly questioned Rambis. He was asking basically the same questions during All-Star weekend after he was sent to the bench. He is averaging a double double (15 points, 11.2 rebounds in 29 minutes a game) despite coming off the bench.

Maybe Love isn't the right fit in Minnesota. The team is experimenting with Darko Milicic at center, allowing Al Jefferson to play his natural position at power forward, which just happens to be Love's position.

Love has proven he can be productive with significant minutes. Maybe the Timberwolves have decided it's time to start considering trading Love - for a shooting guard or small forward - during the summer.

fallenphoenix · 03-12-2010, 06:17 PM

man, you're on a thread posting spree.

larsv8 · 03-12-2010, 06:18 PM

Minnessota is a trainwreck.

ASidd_1990 · 03-12-2010, 06:19 PM

I rather go after Jefferson than Love, but Love is kinda untouchable. It's gonna take more than some lotto picks to pry him away from 'Sota.

saintja2 · 03-12-2010, 06:21 PM

I like him, but isn't he basically like Luis Scola?

Great rebounder (even better than Luis), has range on his shot, doesn't block shots and isn't great athletically but compensates with smarts, skills and hustle. Little less scoring ability in the post.

The outlet passes are nice though, I'll admit that.

B-Bob · 03-12-2010, 06:21 PM

Make Love not... Amare?

worzel gummidge · 03-12-2010, 06:24 PM

So the Blazers PR machine have now leaked they turned down Tim Duncan and they're now hinting Love is available to them if they could be bothered?

Depressio · 03-12-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saintja2

I like him, but isn't he basically like Luis Scola?

Pretty much. His offensive game isn't really as crafty as Scola, but Scola isn't quite as much of a ball magnet off the boards (though they're both solid rebounders, Love is just a little better). Love is younger, however.

Carl Herrera · 03-12-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSchmal

Pretty much. His offensive game isn't really as crafty as Scola, but Scola isn't quite as much of a ball magnet off the boards (though they're both solid rebounders, Love is just a little better). Love is younger, however.

Love is a much better offensive rebounder than Scola, and can shoot the 3s. I think he's got better passing ability, too.

AggieRocketsFan · 03-12-2010, 06:45 PM

Lol... I'm betting the Rockets can make love to Houston somehow.

The_Yoyo · 03-12-2010, 06:48 PM

my god I would be hard for 10 weeks straight if Kevin Love ever became a Rocket in the near future

first player whose college and pro jersey i would have

Matt Maloney · 03-12-2010, 06:50 PM

worst thread title ever.

The_Yoyo · 03-12-2010, 06:51 PM

and i dont see Love being moved though

i talked briefly to Kahn last summer in vegas and he was pretty high on Love and Kahn also is a former Bruin himself so he said he really doubt Kevin would be moved anyway.

I think the wolves would move jefferson before Love unless they were getting a sure fire superstar in return

napalm_black · 03-12-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Maloney

worst thread title ever.

You sir must not be very well traveled 'round these parts.

Carl Herrera · 03-12-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Yoyo

and i dont see Love being moved though

i talked briefly to Kahn last summer in vegas and he was pretty high on Love and Kahn also is a former Bruin himself so he said he really doubt Kevin would be moved anyway.

I think the wolves would move jefferson before Love unless they were getting a sure fire superstar in return

C'mon, Yoyo, what did you expect Kahn to say to you (a fan in a Houston Rockets jersey)?

We don't like this kid that much and are open to trade him? Of course he says they are keeping him. He says they are keeping Jefferson, Rubio and they love all of their players.

All I know is that Kevin Love is coming off the bench while they start Jefferson and Darko. I think that's a bit more relevant than Kahn's words. I'm sure they want as much for him as possible, and may end up keeping him around if the consideration is too insulting, but it can happen.

Patience · 03-12-2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Maloney

worst thread title ever.

Actually, I think this might be one of Carl's best thread titles yet. Bravo!

nachbarFTW · 03-12-2010, 07:02 PM

If they would package him with Mr. Rubio, I would give a whole bunch of talent up.

The_Yoyo · 03-12-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Herrera

C'mon, Yoyo, what did you expect Kahn to say to you (a fan in a Houston Rockets jersey)?

We don't like this kid that much and are open to trade him? Of course he says they are keeping him. He says they are keeping Jefferson, Rubio and they love all of their players.

All I know is that Kevin Love is coming off the bench while they start Jefferson and Darko. I think that's a bit more relevant than Kahn's words. I'm sure they want as much for him as possible, and may end up keeping him around if the consideration is too insulting, but it can happen.

maybe but i approached him as a Bruin first asking him what they were planning to do to Love since everyone else from the McHale era were being traded. I know a lot of it was "PC" talk but just judging by his body language he seemed pretty enamored with Love and that it would take a lot to pry him out of minnesota.

besides trading for Love was one of the first move Kahn has made while Jefferson was a move by McHale I dont think Kahn will trade Love before Jefferson why:

1) love is on a rookie contract still great value for production
2) jefferson is coming off a major injury and has not played until recently that well compared to last year pre-injury
3) jefferson was a mchale move kahn is trying to undo whatever kevin did while there
4) Jefferson was already rumored to be traded once earlier to the pacers
5) Love, imo, possess a much wider range of skill sets than jefferson though jefferson is more athletic

and starting Darko/Jefferson is more of a Rambis move who has had some of the worst/weirdest rotation/sub patterns since Nellie. Jefferson needs to play PF and they are paying the guy 3x as much as Love is of course he is going to start and play his more natural position.

I think getting Al in Houston is much closer option than Bosh though Al doesnt have nearly the range that Bosh does. Love would be a perfect fit here in houston though.

rawool · 03-12-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patience

Actually, I think this might be one of Carl's best thread titles yet. Bravo!

Haha, I agree. +1 rep

saleem · 03-12-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Herrera

Love is a much better offensive rebounder than Scola, and can shoot the 3s. I think he's got better passing ability, too.

He isn't a big upgrade to our 4 spot,nor is he is a 5. I'm all for getting talent for cheap,but we have too many role players(except as at the 5). Andersen doesn't fit our needs as a 5,which you have already alluded to. I recognize weaknesses in athletic types such as Swift and Green,but we need a Landry plus.
Love can only be a Scola replacement,if the latter is not re-signed or traded.